One of our long-time clients, One Step Realty, Inc., recently requested that we implement a way to display all of their available rental properties using Google Maps. We were happy to oblige, and using the Google Map API, integrated their current property management database into their website.
Google Maps API Key
To get started, we first obtained a Google Maps API key for their website at onesteprealtyonline.com. A Google Maps API key is required in order to query the Google Maps API for map information, specifically the latitude and longitude coordinates of addresses. Looking these up by hand and manually entering them into the mySQL property database is not viable solution for anyone, so automating this process saves on both time and potential errors.
Latitude and Longitude
Next, we had to update One Step Realty’s current mySQL property database to store the latitude and longitude information for each property – which is simple enough. The hard part is getting the latitude and longitude for the 150+ properties already stored in the database. We are not big fans of data entry, and you shouldn’t have to be either. Using a custom PHP program with the Google Maps API allowed us to update their property database in a matter of minutes.
What about rental properties added to the database after the update? To support new properties, we upgraded the current website administration pages to query the Google Maps API for the latitude and longitude of any new rental properties and store them in the mySQL database. Why look something up by hand and manually enter it when you can automate the entire process? With the back-end infrastructure in place, we could move on to creating the customer experience.
Put Up or Shut Up
Finally, the fun part! We have all of the information stored in the mySQL database, the next step is to display it to potential customers, which happens in two parts:
We first created a PHP script that queries the property database and displays the map information in XML format, which can be imported using Google API functions. XML is currently the standard for most cross-system communication, for everything from websites to laboratory equipment.
Second, with the XML output in place, we used javascript to import the XML file, create the Google Map, add the markers, and display it to potential property renters. With a little minor formatting, the property map is an at-a-glance view of all the available properties that are managed by One Step Realty, Inc. Any property marker can be clicked for a picture, property summary, and a link to the website page for that property.
Innovative Website Solutions to Drive Your Business
With a simple upgrade like displaying real estate listings on a Google Map, One Step Realty increased their visibility, improving customer trust and responsiveness. With 150+ property markers scattered across a Google Map of Michigan, it is clear that One Step Realty is a leader in Michigan property management, and this solution lets customers know precisely that.
This is just one example of the many website solutions what we strive to create for our clients! You will be suprised at how affordable these solutions can be, and how far they place your website ahead of your competition. If you are interested in implementing a similar solution for your business, please call McFarlan Enterprises at 866-334-0210 for your website evaluation!
Display Real Estate Listings Using Google Maps
Google Map
One of our long-time clients, One Step Realty, Inc., recently requested that we implement a way to display all of their available rental properties using Google Maps. We were happy to oblige, and using the Google Map API, integrated their current property management database into their website.
Google Maps API Key
To get started, we first obtained a Google Maps API key for their website at onesteprealtyonline.com. A Google Maps API key is required in order to query the Google Maps API for map information, specifically the latitude and longitude coordinates of addresses. Looking these up by hand and manually entering them into the mySQL property database is not viable solution for anyone, so automating this process saves on both time and potential errors.
Latitude and Longitude
Next, we had to update One Step Realty’s current mySQL property database to store the latitude and longitude information for each property – which is simple enough. The hard part is getting the latitude and longitude for the 150+ properties already stored in the database. We are not big fans of data entry, and you shouldn’t have to be either. Using a custom PHP program with the Google Maps API allowed us to update their property database in a matter of minutes.
What about rental properties added to the database after the update? To support new properties, we upgraded the current website administration pages to query the Google Maps API for the latitude and longitude of any new rental properties and store them in the mySQL database. Why look something up by hand and manually enter it when you can automate the entire process? With the back-end infrastructure in place, we could move on to creating the customer experience.
Put Up or Shut Up
Finally, the fun part! We have all of the information stored in the mySQL database, the next step is to display it to potential customers, which happens in two parts:
We first created a PHP script that queries the property database and displays the map information in XML format, which can be imported using Google API functions. XML is currently the standard for most cross-system communication, for everything from websites to laboratory equipment.
Second, with the XML output in place, we used javascript to import the XML file, create the Google Map, add the markers, and display it to potential property renters. With a little minor formatting, the property map is an at-a-glance view of all the available properties that are managed by One Step Realty, Inc. Any property marker can be clicked for a picture, property summary, and a link to the website page for that property.
Innovative Website Solutions to Drive Your Business
With a simple upgrade like displaying real estate listings on a Google Map, One Step Realty increased their visibility, improving customer trust and responsiveness. With 150+ property markers scattered across a Google Map of Michigan, it is clear that One Step Realty is a leader in Michigan property management, and this solution lets customers know precisely that.
This is just one example of the many website solutions what we strive to create for our clients! You will be suprised at how affordable these solutions can be, and how far they place your website ahead of your competition. If you are interested in implementing a similar solution for your business, please call McFarlan Enterprises at 866-334-0210 for your website evaluation!